One CC Contributor Talks About Her Darkest Days And How She Overcame Her Anxiety

When I write my posts, I usually come up with some “witty” introduction to get you guys hooked, but for this post, I don’t really have anything witty to say. If I did have something witty to say, I would honestly be ashamed of myself, because this really isn’t any old post.

Have you ever wondered who exactly the people are who bring you your stories on CollegeCandy everyday? And by who they are, I mean their hopes and dreams, their personalities, what events in their life have shaped who they are…the stuff beyond our (sometimes) funny jokes and unique viewpoints. To be honest, I never had until today. You may know Prescott as one of our contributing columnists, or you may know her from her widely-read Date by Numbers tumblr.

Recently on her tumblr, Prescott discussed her personal battle with anxiety. She was drugged and sexually assaulted her junior year in college but, miraculously, managed to escape. However, when she was found on the side of the road by police officers, she was still under the influence of whatever she had been given. Not knowing whether this was her assailant or an actual police officer, in order to protect herself, she ended up attacking the police officer and kicking out the windshield of the police car. Even though, legally, the police are required to take someone under the influence to a hospital first, she was taken straight to jail. (For her full account, visit the link above.)

I don’t know her personally, but if she reads this today, I just want to say: You’re freakin’ awesome. I don’t think I have even an ounce of the strength you do, and I hope you never feel like you’re alone again, and please, never ever lose your spirit.

Seriously, everyone — male or female — needs to read this and, for those of you have been through a similar situation, you need to know it’s okay to reach out for help. Please don’t weather sexual assault and anxiety attacks alone. I’m not going to say I know how you feel, because that would be insulting to you and your experiences, but I do know that when it feels like the world has abandoned you, you are not alone. There is always going to be at least one person out there rooting for you and wanting you to succeed. So please do what it takes to find that one person, and don’t give up hope.

If you suffer from anxiety or have been the victim of sexual assault, there are resources available to you. Check the following links to see how you can get the right kind of help for you…